Following weather delays, the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) and Space Operations Command expedited the Rapid Response Trailblazer launch schedule to fulfill a specific warfighter requirement. On Dec. 16, 2024, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the GPS III SV-07 satellite from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

For the mission, multiple Space Force organizations collaborated to retrieve an existing GPS III satellite from storage, expedite integration and launch vehicle preparation, which was quickly processed for launch. The success of the launch proved a two-fold concept of operations. SSC’s Assured Access to Space showcased its agility in partnering with industry to meet evolving national needs, completing a National Security Space class launch in less than five months.

This marks the first Space Operations Command mission led by Mission Delta 31 for a Space Vehicle launch, and it demonstrated exceptional flexibility by reducing the typical six-month pre-launch processing timeline to approximately three months, Space Operations Command said. This effort involved close coordination with Lockheed Martin in Colorado to rapidly prepare SV-07 for launch.

The GPS III SV-07 satellite joins a robust constellation comprising 31 active vehicles, seven in reserve status and three completed GPS III vehicles awaiting launch. Equipped with M-Code technology, these satellites offer improved anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities, enhancing secure access to military GPS signals for U.S. and allied forces.